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Police report

By MARY ELIADES

Staff writer

Hot Springs Village police have received reports of yet another scam targeted at Village residents, in which the victim receives a call from a “representative” of the victim’s energy provider, threatening to turn off service unless they purchase a $900 Green Dot money card and provide the scammer with the activation code. Police advise anyone receiving a call like this to contact their energy company directly for account status.

Jan. 17

A resident of Coronado Circle reported a computer-based scam, in which a company sent a message through the computer and locked it up, requesting money to fix the problem. They somehow had the correct credit card information, but the homeowner was able to contact the credit card company immediately and did not lose any money.

A resident of Zarpa Way contacted police about someone “trapping” on common property. The owner of the trap was notified about the policy violation and removed it.

A resident contacted police about her concerns for a friend on Leno Circle, and after locating the woman she was transported to a medical facility.

Officers were called to South Pego regarding an altercation (the first of two) that took place on a Village basketball court. Police talked to all parties, who had different stories, and no charges were filed.

Police responded to a call from a business near the east gate, where two men had harassed a female employee who was leaving for the day, then loitered around outside the store, banging on windows and doors after they closed. The men were gone by the time police arrived, but officers stayed until all employees were safely out of the store.

Police were dispatched to a residence on Salvatierra Way, where the homeowner reported that his father-in-law was attempting to break into the home. Officers talked to all parties involved in the domestic dispute – which included threats, as well as verbal and physical altercations – but concluded that no charges should be filed, because there were no visible injuries, both of the combatants were intoxicated, everyone had a different story and there were no witnesses.

Jan. 18

A resident of Galeon Way reported seeing an unauthorized person cutting trees on a neighboring property. It was learned that the offender had previously been caught cutting trees on the property and had been told by the POA to clean up the cuttings or face a fine.

Officers received a report of two four-wheelers driving on Magellan golf course, but were unable to find the vehicles or any damage.

A barking dog situation on Tomino Lane was settled to everyone’s (especially the dog’s) satisfaction when the owner let the dog in out of the cold.

Officers served a “no contact order” on a person renting a property on Astorga Circle. He was given until 5 p.m. of that day to be off the property, and officers stood by while he removed his belongings.

Jan. 19

Several golf clubs and a bag were found on a walking trail path at Calella Road and Santa Maria Road, and were taken to police department storage.

Officers were called to assist with a medical emergency, in which a woman had reported trouble breathing while talking to a friend on the telephone. No one was at the residence, and the woman was later located at an area hospital.

A resident of Constantina Circle was awakened around midnight by noises in her yard, and looked out to see two people running down the street and speeding off in a car. The scoundrels had apparently been trying to steal a sign in the front yard, and had succeeded in ripping it halfway off, but they were not located.

A resident reported hearing gunshots in the area of the Granada Golf Course, but officers checked the entire area without finding the source. They believed the shots to have come from off property.

The Garland County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance with a theft from a car in the Walmart parking lot. A diaper bag that looked like a purse was stolen from an unlocked vehicle, but was discarded (and found) after the rude awakening that must have occurred.

Jan. 20

A resident of Frontera Circle contacted police about loud music coming from the residence next door, but when officers arrived, they were unable to hear any music and got no response from the neighboring house.

In a great example of how the Hot Springs Village police constantly go above and beyond the call of duty, officers responded to a caller on Arias Way, who said that his neighbor had put a trash bin in front of his mailbox. He had not contacted the neighbor or moved the bin, so officers moved the bin, ending the trauma.

A caller reported a man seen dumping leaves on Alegria Way, and officers were able to locate the offender and instruct him to remove the leaves.

Officers were called to the basketball courts at the DeSoto recreation area, where a verbal altercation over a “hard foul” threatened to turn into a fight. Because of conflicting stories and admitted “high emotions” on the part of all parties, no charges were filed.

Jan. 21

Officers responded to a report of threatening communications from two people who were staying in a rental unit as guests of another couple. Officers instructed a relative of the guests to have them remove their belongings from the rental house and told the renters they could pursue charges through Garland County.